Destination
Africa
Africa’s vast landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and rich cultural heritage create a dynamic backdrop for one of the world’s most unique cruise experiences. While most travelers explore the continent by land, a growing number of discerning guests are discovering the power of water-based travel to offer unparalleled access to Africa’s most iconic and remote regions. From the lush banks of the Chobe River to the coastlines of the Seychelles and the historic ports of North Africa, small ship and river cruises offer a luxurious, immersive, and often unexpected way to experience Africa’s diversity. At Small Ship Travel, we curate exceptional small ship and river cruise itineraries across Africa, working exclusively with vetted cruise lines that combine expert-led exploration, authentic cultural engagement, and personalized service. Whether you’re seeking a safari-style river journey through southern Africa, an island-hopping escape in the Indian Ocean, or a cultural cruise along North Africa’s coast, our team helps match you with the ideal vessel and itinerary for your interests.
We proudly partner with a select portfolio of premium and expedition cruise lines that have been thoroughly vetted for their commitment to guest experience, conservation, and cultural integrity. Each brings a unique lens to the African continent. Abercrombie & Kent A global leader in luxury travel, Abercrombie & Kent offers expertly guided Nile River cruises aboard vessels like the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. Their programs include private-access experiences, Egyptologist-led tours, and seamless integration with bespoke land safaris and city stays. Nour El Nil This boutique cruise line operates a fleet of handcrafted dahabiyas—traditional Egyptian sailing vessels with no engines—offering a slow and serene journey along the Nile. With just 8 to 12 staterooms, Nour El Nil focuses on authenticity, regional cuisine, and visits to remote temples and villages, far from typical cruise routes. AmaWaterways – Zambezi Queen Collection AmaWaterways' Zambezi Queen is a 28-guest riverboat operating along the Chobe River. With daily water-based safaris, luxurious accommodations, and seamless connections to Victoria Falls and Cape Town, this cruise offers a perfect fusion of wildlife, luxury, and adventure. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Scenic’s Africa journeys combine cruising aboard the Zambezi Queen with stays in exclusive safari lodges. Their packages provide a 5-star experience from start to finish, perfect for travelers seeking high-end, all-inclusive safari cruising. Silversea Expeditions Silversea offers expedition-style sailings to West Africa, the Seychelles, Madagascar, and the Indian Ocean coast, blending luxurious accommodations with wildlife-focused outings and culturally rich excursions. All-suite ships and butler service are standard. Ponant This French-flagged expedition cruise line sails to Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Seychelles, with a focus on elegant adventure, conservation, and onboard education. Their small ships feature marine biologists and cultural experts for deeper engagement. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Known for their educational approach and partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad offers coastal African sailings with expert teams of naturalists and scientists. Ideal for travelers who want to explore with purpose.
Small ship and river cruising in Africa offers a deeper, more connected way to travel. With fewer guests on board, you’ll enjoy flexible itineraries, close-up access to natural and cultural sites, and daily excursions led by seasoned naturalists, historians, and local experts. Unlike large cruise ships, these vessels can reach remote rivers, hidden coves, and lesser-known ports, allowing for genuine interaction with the land, wildlife, and people.
Whether you're gliding past hippos on the Chobe River, sailing upriver to Luxor, or snorkeling in the Seychelles, each voyage is designed to immerse you in the essence of place—without sacrificing comfort or service.
Southern Africa (Chobe, Zambezi, Okavango Delta)
May to October is the dry season, ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather at rivers and watering holes. Days are sunny and mild, making it perfect for safari cruises and outdoor exploration.
North Africa (Nile River Cruises)
October to April offers cooler, more comfortable temperatures for exploring ancient Egyptian landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and Aswan.
Indian Ocean (Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique Channel)
The best cruising conditions fall between April–May and October–November, when the seas are calm, and visibility is excellent for diving and snorkeling.
At Small Ship Travel, we believe the most memorable experiences happen when travel is personal, intentional, and expertly curated. We’ve hand-selected each cruise line based on its commitment to excellence, responsible tourism, and destination authenticity.
Affiliated with Travel Experts, a proud member of Virtuoso, we offer our clients exclusive perks—including onboard credits, private tours, and cabin upgrades—along with the expert guidance to ensure every aspect of your journey is seamless. From choosing the right ship and cabin to organizing pre- and post-cruise extensions in Cape Town, Victoria Falls, or Cairo, we provide end-to-end support.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
